GEORGIA – In the early morning hours of April 3, 2025, around 12:43 a.m., Hancock State Prison reported a security breach involving contraband being thrown over the facility’s perimeter fence and multiple individuals seen hiding in the woods nearby. The Sheriff’s Office, along with Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) personnel and K-9 units, quickly mobilized to search the surrounding area.
After several hours of searching, K-9 units tracked and apprehended two men hiding in the wooded area near the prison. The suspects were identified as Kamarion Walker of Columbus, Georgia, and Jakwon Cooks, whose address is currently unknown. Walker is facing pending charges from the DOC, while Cooks is also wanted by the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and may face additional charges.
While officers were on scene, one of the suspect’s cell phones began ringing. DOC staff answered the call, and the person on the other end asked if they could return to pick up the men at Rocky Food Market in downtown Sparta. Investigators kept the caller engaged until law enforcement arrived and detained the individual. The caller was identified as a juvenile who was later arrested and transferred to the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC). Further charges from the DOC are pending.
Meanwhile, Deputy Sheriffs checking another area near the prison encountered a 2021 Toyota sedan that failed to dim its headlights for oncoming traffic. A traffic stop was initiated, and upon approaching the vehicle, deputies detected a strong smell of marijuana. The driver, Reginald Johnson of Tifton, Georgia, was informed of the traffic violation and detained. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a stolen firearm along with a large quantity of contraband and illegal drugs. Johnson was taken into custody, and charges are currently pending as the investigation continues.
The following items were recovered either from the attempted fence drop at Hancock State Prison or from the vehicle during the traffic stop:
- 1 stolen gun with 2 magazines and 31 rounds
- 225 grams of MDMA
- 5 grams of cocaine
- 117 grams of methamphetamine
- 404 grams of Adderall
- 4,663 grams of tobacco
- 1,315 grams of marijuana
- 9 new mobile phones
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 17 pieces of clothing
- 22 cigarette lighters
- 18 cigars
- 9 charging blocks
- 11 charging cables
- 1 portable speaker
- 7 personal cell phones
- 10 vape devices
- 6 packs of cigar wraps
- 1 bag of tea
This bold attempt to smuggle contraband at Hancock Prison highlights ongoing security concerns and the coordinated efforts of local and state law enforcement to crack down on illegal activities targeting correctional institutions. Investigations remain ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may follow.
